MARCH ARB, Calif. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District joined community leaders Dec. 8 to break ground for the new March Air Reserve Base's nearly 16,000 sq. foot airfield traffic control tower and base operations facility.

"Over the last 20 years or so, we've invested several hundred million into the March Air Reserve Base, to make this the premiere Air Reserve base in the United States," said Rep. Ken Calvert. "We're going to continue to make sure that they have the resources [they need] to operate."

The new $16.5 million project is designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver standard and replaces the current tower and airfield operations facility built in 1958. LEED is how the U.S. Green Building Council rates a project for its design and achievement in categories like sustainability, water efficiency, energy conservation and design innovation.

"I think one of the most important aspects for me, for the design, is that it is highly sustainable," said David Van Dorpe, the District deputy engineer for programs and project management. "What this design is doing is providing something that is sustainable and ensures the future success of the base."

Van Dorpe also spoke about the 50-year relationship that the District has enjoyed with the base and looks forward to a bright future together.

"This tower marks yet another step in the evolution of this base," Calvert said. "This is an excellent example, as I look at the various uniforms here, of joint operations. Everyone that walks on this base [this tower will serve everyone] in the future."

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